College Sports Blog

Five thoughts: Texas’ likely drop from Cotton Bowl to Alamo Bowl has a silver lining

Pending an official announcement, all signs are pointing to Texas (8-4) playing Oregon State (9-3) in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29 in San Antonio.

Here are a few observations regarding the matchup.

1. Quite honestly, it’s not the one the Longhorns were hoping for. But with Northern Illinois bumping Oklahoma out of the BCS bowl circuit, the Sooners were snatched up by the Cotton Bowl and the Longhorns relegated to the Alamo Bowl. By any means, it’s not a bad bowl, but it’s not as illustrious as the Cotton.

2. There is a silver lining to it, however. Texas matches up much better against the Beavers of the Pac-12 than they would against the SEC’s LSU Tigers or Georgia Bulldogs, and even Texas A&M. With the Longhorns’ chronic difficulties stopping the run, that might have gone horribly and thus been a real sour way to jump into the offseason. The chance at notching win No. 9 — and the momentum that comes with it — will be much easier here.

3. The Beavers are No. 34 nationally in yards per game and average 33 points. Quarterback Sean Mannion was 20-for-23 with 231 yards passing and two touchdowns Saturday against FCS Nicholls State but is prone to interceptions (four against Oregon, three against Washington State, four against Washington).

4. On the ground, Oregon State is led by Pflugerville, Texas, product Storm Woods. The 6-foot, 202 pound Woods has 822 yards rushing this season, with 11 touchdowns. Woods averages 4.8 yards a pop.

5. Oregon State’s defense, despite having to play some of the nation’s best offenses, is No. 32 nationally. No. 29 in rushing and No. 47 in passing defense. A very formidable unit.